How to Switch Between Grid and List View on the Apple Watch App Screen

By default, when you press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to view your installed applications, watchOS presents them in the “Grid View” (often referred to as the honeycomb). While this floating cluster of circular icons looks futuristic and visually impressive, it can be incredibly frustrating to use. If you have dozens of apps installed, finding a specific app based solely on a tiny, unlabeled icon is a memory test. If you prefer a logical, alphabetized layout where you can actually read the names of your applications, you can easily switch your Apple Watch to List View.

Changing the App View (watchOS 10 and Later)

With the major redesign of watchOS 10, Apple slightly changed how you access the view settings directly on the watch itself. You can no longer force-press the grid.

1. Press the Digital Crown (the circular dial on the side of the watch) to open your current App View.
2. If you are in Grid View, use your finger to scroll all the way down to the absolute bottom of the honeycomb grid. (Alternatively, roll the Digital Crown downwards until you hit the bottom).
3. At the very bottom, you will see a prominent pill-shaped button labeled List View. Tap it.

The screen will instantly transition to an alphabetized list. To switch back, simply scroll to the very bottom of the alphabetized list and tap the Grid View button.

Changing the App View (watchOS 9 and Earlier)

If you are using an older Apple Watch (like a Series 3) that cannot be updated to the latest operating system, the method requires a long-press.

1. Press the Digital Crown to open the App View.
2. Tap and hold (long-press) firmly in the empty space between any two app icons.
3. A hidden menu will pop up on the screen displaying two options: “Grid View” and “List View.”
4. Tap List View.

Changing the View Using Your iPhone

If you find it difficult to navigate the tiny screen on your wrist, you can toggle this setting using the companion Watch app on your iPhone.

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Ensure you are on the My Watch tab at the bottom left.
3. Tap on App View (it should be one of the very first options in the list).
4. You will see two large graphics illustrating the layouts. Tap List View.

The change will sync to your Apple Watch instantly via Bluetooth. When you press the Digital Crown on your watch, you will be greeted by the new, highly readable, alphabetical list.